No fear for Cody Ross in 'twilight zone'

Right fielder happy to have opportunity with Giants

Cody Ross had 10 hits and three home runs in his final 20 at-bats to earn a spot on the Giants' postseason roster, and he was 4-for-14 in the National League Division Series with a double, a huge homer in Game 4 and three RBIs.

"It's been an emotional roller coaster for me," Ross told the San Jose Mercury News. "A month and a half ago, I didn't think I'd be sitting here talking to you right now. I'm so happy I'm getting the opportunity to do it."

"I've been in the twilight zone for the last month and a half or however long I've been here," Ross said. "I never thought I'd be in this situation celebrating. I'm so grateful for the Giants getting me over here, however it happened, I don't care. You dream of this as a kid."

Wagner proud to retire as a Brave: Billy Wagner is walking away with no regrets.

"I've done everything that I can do," Wagner, who went 7-2 with a career-best 1.43 ERA and 37 saves this season, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I've got my kids at home that I need to raise more than I need to look at records and championships. That stuff will melt, but my kids are important."

Lee provides another supreme performance: Cliff Lee pinpointed his fastball and curveball to pitch a complete game in the Rangers' 5-1 victory over Tampa Bay in Game 5 of the American League Division Series on Tuesday night. He allowed only one run on six hits, struck out 11 batters and issued no walks. Of the 120 pitches he threw, 90 were strikes.

"We needed Cliff Lee to do what he did, we certainly did," Rangers manager Ron Washington told the Tampa Tribune. "Once you give him a lead, he takes it to the finish line. That's the type of pitcher he is."

"A lot of the credit goes to our baserunners for being aggressive and forcing the action," Lee said. "That's what Tampa Bay has done all year."

Lincecum ready to take next step in NLCS: Two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum made his postseason debut in the NLDS versus the Braves and will make his initial NLCS appearance against the two-time defending NL champion Phillies.

"Just to get the opportunity to play in the playoffs, big crowds, big games, all that stuff," Lincecum told the San Jose Mercury News. "I'll be prepared for it. I'll try to go out there with the same mentality as the last game.

"Guys tell you what this is like," he added, "but you don't know until you experience it."

Hamilton appreciates dousing with ginger ale: Josh Hamilton, who resurrected his career following difficult battles with drugs and alcohol, was grateful his Rangers teammates started their celebration with ginger ale spraying instead of the usual Champagne so he could take part.

"It meant a lot," Hamilton told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "They were waiting on me out there. They came around the corner, they doused me with the ginger ale. I had no idea they were doing that. It says a lot about my teammates."

Berkman hoping for return trip to World Series: It may be Lance Berkman's first go-round with the Yankees, but he's no stranger to the postseason.

"I hope he's enjoying it," Mark Teixeira told the New York Post. "I know Lance has had a chance to play in a World Series, and he's had such a great career, I'd love to have him come over here and taste that Champagne a few more times."

Jurrjens considering surgery on right knee: Jair Jurrjens is considering surgery on his right knee to repair the torn meniscus he suffered three weeks ago. However, Jurrjens plans to get a second opinion before undergoing the arthroscopic procedure.

"I want to go ahead and do it and just come in with peace of mind next Spring Training," Jurrjens told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I don't even want to think about it at all and be scared, 'If I do this, it might flare up again.'"

Rhodes aiming to build off All-Star season: Arthur Rhodes, who posted a 2.29 ERA in 69 appearances this season and made the All-Star team, considers 2010 one of his best.

"I can say yeah because of the All-Star Game and playoffs," Rhodes told MLB.com. "I had a great time. I want to try and repeat it again."

Wells planning to get his house in order: Randy Wells has his offseason plans in order, starting with finishing a move into a new home.

"Family is a big priority. I just bought a house in southern Illinois, and I have to get that in order and make it comfortable," Wells told MLB.com. "I've got boxes everywhere. I think I'll just settle in there and relax a little bit."

Humane Society jumps on Giants bandwagon: The Contra Costa Times reports that the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is honoring the Giants' NLDS victory with a special adoption promotion for cats with black or orange fur, setting the adoption fee for those pets at $9. Normally, the price is between $50 and $80.